Online Coding

Code.org
This nonprofit foundation's website is an excellent starting point for coding novices. It shares plenty of useful online resources, apps, and even local schools that teach coding. Be sure to watch the inspirational video on the main page. The current iteration features some of the biggest names in tech talking about how they got started in coding.

Code Monster Particularly useful for kids, Code Monster features two adjacent boxes. One displays code, the other shows what the code does. As you play with the code (with some help from a prompt), you learn what each command does.

Khan Academy Known for its extensive and challenging math games, Khan Academy also has basic programming tutorials that teach kids how to build graphics, animations, interactive visualizations, and more. Its latest addition is a partnership with Pixar, which gives users a chance to learn how Pixar artists do their jobs.

Scratch Designed by MIT students and aimed at children ages 8-16, this easy-to-use programming language lets kids build almost anything they can dream. There are no obscure lines of code here. Instead, arrange and snap together Scratch blocks as if they are virtual Legos. It's more than just a coding guide; it's a vibrant online community of programmers who swap ideas and inspiration.

Swift Playgrounds Designed by Apple for the iPad, Swift Playgrounds is a much more sophisticated-looking version of Code Combat (see below), with the added benefit of being FREE. Kids solve interactive puzzles in the guided “Learn to Code” lessons to master the basics of coding or experiment with a wide range of challenges that let users explore many unique coding experiences.